CTGC stands for Cheesy Thumbnail Gallery Creator. Basically, CTGC creates an HTML file that displays scaled-down previews for whatever pictures are dropped on it. It uses the browser to do the scaling, though, and all of the pictures still have to load (hence the cheesy part). However, it can be useful for quickly creating catalogs of local images, which you can then preview in your web browser. An additional use is to make people with 56k modems suffer.
What's a relative path?
In this case, relative path means that the HTML gallery only contains the filenames of the images, not a complete path. This means that the gallery files that are generated have to be in the same folder as the images to be displayed. The relative + base application lets you add a base path, for example an enclosing folder or a web directory (in the form of folder/subfolder/deepersubfolder/davyjoneslockerfolder/etc/).
I'm dropping my files on the program, but there's an error message saying that they're not the right format. What's going on?
Since CTGC is a thumbnail gallery program, the input needs to be compatible image files, or the browser will not be able to display them. Right now, the program will accept GIF, JPEG and PNG image files. If you know your file is one of these types, but it still won't load, use a resource editor to make sure the file type is set correctly.
How do I use the program?
First, select the image files you want to use and drop them on the application. If the picture files are correct, you will see a dialog box telling you how many pictures were imported.
Next, select how many pictures you want in each row and column. If you do not choose a configuration that is capable of containing all of your pictures, you will be prompted for this again until you enter a correct configuration. After this, you will be prompted to select the width and height of your previews - for many applications, 120x80 is adequate. Note that if you select dimensions that are different from the aspect ratios of your original pictures, the previews may appear distorted. In the batch processing application, you can use the Script Editor to manipulate the values within the program, so you can batch-process galleries without having to enter the dimensions each time.
After selecting a title for your picture gallery, an HTML file will be created for you on the desktop, as well as copied to the clipboard, which you can insert into an HTML program for additional editing.
What are the randomizers?
These two scripts are designed to facilitate random browsing through your collection, using the galleries created by CTGC. Both are configurable in Script Editor, so you can designate the file paths and number of galleries to randomize. To find the file path, you can either drag the folder onto Netscape, or use a third-party program such as Pather, by Steve Hideg. Date-Selection picks a gallery based on the current date, and Random Gallery does what it says - chooses a gallery at random for viewing.
Do I need to Register CTGC?
No. CTGC is distributed free of charge, under the GNU GPL. You may also redistribute the program, as long as the readme file is included. However, feedback is always appreciated (as well as donations, if you are so inclined). This programs are open-source, and can be opened with the Script Editor.
Why would I actually want to use this program?
Okay, okay. Yes, there are much better thumbnail/image gallery programs out there. I created this program mainly because I like using browsers for image viewing and navigation, and this quickly creates gallery pages without any additional images taking up disk space. If, in the end, you are unhappy with this program - hey, it's free.
Version Info
1.0 - First official release. It works.
Contact Info
Send comments, questions, and bugs to thetapi@idlecircuits.com.
Website: http://thetapi.dilecircuits.com
Why would I honestly want this program?
To tell you the truth, there are a lot better programs out there for creating thumbnails and doing random slideshows. I, personally, like using a web browser for browsing through my image collections, and the thumbnail view allows me to quickly see which images are in a given folder without a lot of additional files taking up hard drive space and cluttering directories. And, if you don't like it - hey, it's free.
Version Info
1.0 - First release.
Credits
©2000 David Kibrick.